Md. Resident Files Lawsuit On Redistricting Map
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland man has sued over Gov. Martin O'Malley's congressional redistricting map.
Smithsburg resident Howard Gorrell, who attended all 12 redistricting hearings this summer, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on Thursday.
Gorrell contends the map, which was approved last week by the General Assembly, dilutes the voting power of agriculture-related electorates in the 6th Congressional district. The map moves a large portion of Montgomery County into the western Maryland district.
O'Malley, a Democrat, and a panel that created a preliminary map say the map reflects changing demographics along the Interstate 270 corridor.
Separately, the Maryland Republican Party on Thursday called on the Justice Department to investigate allegations of minority voter dilution in Montgomery County.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
